Politics is so much about serendipity that we've got to have a bigger pool of women, so that when people drop out of the process, you've got others to turn to.
Eleanor CliftRead
You get elected, often, if you're a woman, on the strength of the women's vote; then you get into office, and you have to adapt to an overwhelmingly male environment.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Women often rely on female voters to get elected but face challenges in a male-dominated political environment.
Eleanor Clift highlights the paradox that while women may successfully gain political office through the support of women's votes, they often find themselves navigating and adapting to a political landscape that is predominantly male. This reflects the challenges women face in a system that may not always be welcoming or inclusive, suggesting that their journey in leadership is fraught with the need for adaptability and resilience.
Themes
WomenPoliticsLeadershipMale EnvironmentAdaptation
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a women's leadership seminar to discuss the challenges female leaders face.
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